Seven out of ten consumers plan grocery spend before shopping

Nearly 70% of shoppers now plan exactly what they are going to spend their money on before going out to do their food and grocery shopping compared to less than half three years ago.

Nearly 70% of shoppers now plan exactly what they are going to spend their money on before going out to do their food and grocery shopping compared to less than half three years ago.

The findings, released by the grocery insights company, IGD, demonstrate how far consumer shopping behaviour is changing, driven by the harsh economic climate and the rise in smartphone and online technology that allows shoppers to make price comparisons at the touch of a button.

Nearly seven in ten shoppers (67%) plan most of their food and grocery shopping before they even get to a store, up from 47% in 2008, said the IGD. Checking cupboards, fridges or freezers is the most popular form of planning that people say they do.

People are also increasing the numbe of times they shop in a week, with half (49%) making three or more top up shops a week to supermarkets, compared to 39% in 2009.

Joanne Denney-Finch, chief executive, IGD, said: "Most of us are facing stagnant wage increases but rising costs, such as public transport or fuel prices. As a result, shoppers are investing more of their time in order to secure the best value when buying their food and groceries.

"They are trying to manage their budgets by making more supermarket trips, but aiming to buy only what they need. By making more frequent visits they are topping up when required and also hoping to secure the best promotions, stocking up when they see ones that appeal to them.

"People are also doing their main grocery shop less often as other forms of shopping, such as online or convenience stores, increase in popularity. Shoppers are also less inclined to do too many 'big shops' and instead, for example, wait for pay day to stock up."